Meta Information
ID:saffron-extract
Name:
Schema Version:AIM-2.0
Interactions
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
High doses of saffron can stimulate uterine contractions and have traditionally been used as an abortifacient; it is not considered safe during pregnancy.
Actionable advice:
Avoid saffron extract completely if you are pregnant.
Target id:
/condition/bipolar-disorder
Target name:
Bipolar Disorder
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron's mood-elevating effects may trigger hypomanic or manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Actionable advice:
Do not use saffron if you have bipolar disorder unless under the direct supervision of a psychiatrist.
Target id:
/procedure/scheduled-surgery
Target name:
Scheduled Surgery
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
336
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Saffron's potential effects on blood clotting, blood pressure, and sedation could interfere with surgical procedures and anesthesia.
Actionable advice:
Discontinue saffron extract at least 2 weeks before any scheduled surgery.
Target id:
/class/serotonergic-agents
Target name:
Serotonergic Medications (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron may increase serotonin levels in the brain, and combining it with other serotonergic drugs could theoretically increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition.
Actionable advice:
Consult your doctor before combining with serotonergic medications; monitor for symptoms like agitation or rapid heart rate.
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Drugs
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron may have mild antiplatelet (blood-thinning) effects, which could add to the effects of these medications, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult your doctor if you take blood-thinning medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin.
Target id:
/class/antihypertensives
Target name:
Antihypertensive Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron may lower blood pressure. Taking it alongside medications designed to lower blood pressure could cause an additive effect, leading to hypotension (blood pressure that is too low).
Actionable advice:
Monitor your blood pressure closely and consult your doctor if combining saffron with blood pressure medications.
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron may lower blood sugar levels. Combining it with diabetes medications could increase the risk of hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar).
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood glucose levels carefully and consult your doctor if using saffron alongside diabetes medications.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
CNS Depressants (e.g., Benzodiazepines, Opioids)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron can have sedative effects. Combining it with other central nervous system depressants can lead to excessive drowsiness, sedation, and impaired coordination.
Actionable advice:
Avoid or use with extreme caution when taking other sedative medications or substances.
Target id:
/intervention/alcohol
Target name:
Alcohol
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron's sedative properties can be amplified by alcohol, leading to increased drowsiness and impairment.
Actionable advice:
Avoid consuming alcohol close to the time you take saffron extract.
Target id:
/condition/bleeding-disorders
Target name:
Bleeding Disorders
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Due to its potential antiplatelet effects, saffron may worsen bleeding in individuals with pre-existing bleeding disorders like hemophilia.
Actionable advice:
Avoid saffron if you have a bleeding disorder, or use only with medical approval.
Target id:
/condition/hypotension
Target name:
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron can lower blood pressure, which may cause symptoms like dizziness or fainting in people who already have low blood pressure.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and monitor for symptoms if you have a history of low blood pressure.
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
There is insufficient reliable information about the safety of taking saffron while breastfeeding; its components may pass into breast milk.
Actionable advice:
Avoid using saffron extract while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.
Target id:
/class/herbal-anticoagulants
Target name:
Herbal Anticoagulants (Ginkgo, Garlic, Ginger)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Combining saffron with other supplements that have blood-thinning properties can have an additive effect, increasing the overall risk of bleeding.
Actionable advice:
Use caution when combining saffron with other supplements known to affect blood clotting.
Target id:
/class/glucose-lowering-supplements
Target name:
Glucose-Lowering Supplements (Berberine, Cinnamon)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron's blood sugar-lowering effect can be additive with other supplements that do the same, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
Actionable advice:
Monitor blood sugar levels closely if combining saffron with other glucose-lowering supplements.
Target id:
/class/cns-depressants
Target name:
Herbal Sedatives (Valerian, Kava, Chamomile)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
The sedative effects of saffron can be potentiated when taken with other calming herbs, leading to excessive drowsiness.
Actionable advice:
Be cautious when combining saffron with other sedative supplements, especially when driving.
Target id:
/dietary/meal
Target name:
Any Caloric Meal
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Taking saffron extract with food can help minimize the risk of mild gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea or stomach upset.
Actionable advice:
Take saffron extract with a meal for better tolerability.
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
2
Hours after target:
null
Description:
Saffron is often studied for its benefits on sleep quality. Taking it in the evening may align its effects with your natural sleep cycle.
Actionable advice:
Consider taking your dose 1-2 hours before bedtime to support sleep quality.
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
CYP3A4 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron may mildly inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver, potentially increasing the concentration and effects of drugs metabolized by this pathway.
Actionable advice:
Be aware of this theoretical interaction if you take medications metabolized by CYP3A4; consult a pharmacist if unsure.
Target id:
/class/cyp2c9-substrates
Target name:
Drugs Metabolized by CYP2C9
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron may mildly inhibit the CYP2C9 enzyme, which could increase levels of certain drugs like warfarin or some NSAIDs, though clinical significance is low.
Actionable advice:
Be aware of this theoretical interaction if you take medications metabolized by CYP2C9; consult a pharmacist if unsure.
Target id:
/class/cyp2c19-substrates
Target name:
CYP2C19 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
Saffron may mildly inhibit the CYP2C19 enzyme, potentially increasing levels of drugs like omeprazole or clopidogrel, though clinical significance is low.
Actionable advice:
Be aware of this theoretical interaction if you take medications metabolized by CYP2C19; consult a pharmacist if unsure.
Target id:
/class/qt-prolonging-agents
Target name:
QT-Prolonging Medications
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
null
Description:
While not well-established, there is a theoretical concern that high doses of saffron could affect heart rhythm. Combining it with drugs known to prolong the QT interval may pose an additive risk.
Actionable advice:
Use with caution and consult your doctor if you are taking medications known to affect the QT interval.